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Definition of answernext
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as in result
something attained by mental effort and especially by computation the answers to the odd-numbered problems are at the back of the book

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in reaction
action or behavior that is done in return to other action or behavior a cold stare was her withering answer to that gratuitous insult

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

answer

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verb

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as in to respond
to speak or write in reaction to a question or to another reaction didn't answer right away when the detective asked him where he'd been for the last three hours

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun answer differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of answer are rejoinder, reply, response, and retort. While all these words mean "something spoken, written, or done in return," answer implies the satisfying of a question, demand, call, or need.

had answers to all their questions

Where would rejoinder be a reasonable alternative to answer?

The synonyms rejoinder and answer are sometimes interchangeable, but rejoinder can be a response to a reply or to an objection.

a salesman with a quick rejoinder to every argument

When would reply be a good substitute for answer?

The meanings of reply and answer largely overlap; however, reply often suggests a thorough response to all issues, points, or questions raised.

a point-by-point reply to the accusation

When might response be a better fit than answer?

In some situations, the words response and answer are roughly equivalent. However, response may imply a quick or spontaneous reaction to a person or thing that serves as a stimulus.

a response to the call for recruits

In what contexts can retort take the place of answer?

While the synonyms retort and answer are close in meaning, retort implies a reaction to an implicit or explicit charge, criticism, or attack which contains a countercharge or counterattack.

she made a cutting retort to her critics

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of answer
Noun
Hints and the answers for today’s Quordle words are just ahead. Kris Holt, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026 There are no easy answers to these questions, but Fogelström posed them in an early and perceptive fashion. Colton Valentine, New Yorker, 24 Jan. 2026
Verb
For some of the victims’ families, the interviews clarified how and why the crimes unfolded, filling in gaps that police files and court records never fully answered after years of unresolved questions. Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 11 Jan. 2026 Love called — and these Hearties answered. Alexandra Hurtado, PEOPLE, 11 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for answer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for answer
Noun
  • But remarks from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi – suggesting that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan could trigger a military response from her country – has recently drawn ire from China.
    Chris Lau, CNN Money, 25 Jan. 2026
  • New Yorkers will look to the 34-year-old’s response as an early test of his leadership.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 25 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • This move risks dangerous results from the military and security establishment in the country, as well as the substantial Cuban contingent working in the security sphere.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 8 Jan. 2026
  • According to Fox 5, citing a flight expert, the unusual incident may not have been the result of a hard landing, but a possible malfunction in the aircraft’s automatic braking system.
    Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Children are particularly vulnerable due to their smaller size and natural reaction when scared.
    Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 24 Jan. 2026
  • Buss was also reportedly disappointed in James’ reaction after the Lakers selected his son, Bronny James, in the 2024 NBA Draft.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 24 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • However, police are sometimes called by community members or federal agents to respond to immigration enforcement scenes to ensure the safety of the public or agents, police say.
    Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Jan. 2026
  • Porter responded with a go-ahead 3-pointer, but the Celtics took over from there, launching into an 11-0 run that put them up by double digits.
    Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 24 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Receive approximately $1,965 in premium for each contract (each contract corresponds to 100 shares).
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Tolbert’s time in Denver corresponded with the Broncos’ 2016 Super Bowl win.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 25 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Even though Shane and Ilya don’t suddenly become public and proud gay hockey icons like Scott Hunter by the end of the season, Tierney still manages to fulfill the compensatory and combative requirements of the romance genre through two moving declarations of love.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 22 Jan. 2026
  • During closing arguments on Wednesday morning, a prosecutor urged the jury to convict in order to send a message that law enforcement must fulfill their duty to protect when a gunman threatens children.
    CBS News, CBS News, 21 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • At the same time, the problems that researchers are attempting to solve are thornier and more challenging than ever.
    CBS News, CBS News, 23 Jan. 2026
  • Scientists may have solved a cosmic mystery that has been troubling them since the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) began observations back in 2022.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 22 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The Justice Department argued in a reply filed Sunday that the stay should remain in place, calling the injunction unworkable and overly broad.
    Steve Karnowski, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Email the Car Doctor for a personal reply.
    John Paul Senior Manager Public Affairs And Traffic Safety Aaa Northeast, Hartford Courant, 24 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Answer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/answer. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.

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